Request for Proposal: ALCF Artemis Compute Cluster

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To acquire and install a compute cluster named "Artemis" for Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) to serve as a Kubernetes and Virtualization environment for persistent services. The cluster will host user and facility services with connectivity to existing HPC systems, storage, and networking.

• Hardware: Provide 36 compute nodes, each with specific CPU, Memory, Storage, Networking, and Power requirements. CPUs must support confidential computing. Networking includes multiple Ethernet interfaces and specific NVIDIA Bluefield-3 adapters. Cabling for the 400G interconnect is excluded.

• Installation: On-site installation services in provided racks, adhering to Argonne safety regulations. Includes racking nodes evenly and installing copper cabling for the management network.

• Maintenance/Support: Five years of 9x5 next business day (NBD) on-site parts replacement service. On-premises hardware monitoring software is required.

• Project Management: Provide contact information and an installation plan.

• Acceptance Testing: Hardware must be racked, inventoried, boot into a standard Linux distribution (RHEL), have all components functional, and all firmware versions must be current and consistent.

• Cybersecurity: Describe processes for remediating security vulnerabilities, including timelines for CVEs and patching. Must provide ability to rotate all secrets without physical interaction. Disclosure of default accounts and credentials is required.

• Place of Performance: Building 240 Data Center, Argonne National Laboratory.

• Period of Performance: System delivery ASAP based on lead times. Installation and acceptance within 30 days of delivery. Support and maintenance for five years post-acceptance.

• Software Compatibility: Hardware solutions must be compatible with various Kubernetes distributions (Red Hat OpenShift, Rancher Harvester/RKE2, Talos Linux - desirable). Incompatibilities and remediations must be described.

• Security: On-site personnel require pre-arranged gate passes. Non-U.S. citizens require security investigations. Access to the data center is controlled.

• Government Property: No government-owned property will be provided.

• Power: Peak and expected power consumption per node must be provided. Power cabling must be single cables, without extenders, and NRTL listed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Enclosure No. 2C - Appendix E ANL-366M.pdf," appears to be a supplemental conditions document related to a contract, likely for on-site work at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). It details specific requirements and conditions that a contractor must adhere to.

• Approval to Proceed: Contractors must receive explicit approval before commencing on-site work.
• Indemnity: Outlines the contractor's responsibility to indemnify Argonne, the University of Chicago, and the U.S. Government against losses or damages arising from contract performance. It also details procedures for reporting and repairing any damage to property.
• Insurance: Specifies the types and minimum limits of insurance coverage required for the duration of the contract, including Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Professional Liability. It also requires additional insured status and waiver of subrogation for Argonne and the University of Chicago.
• Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H): Details comprehensive ES&H requirements, including compliance with federal regulations (e.g., 10 CFR 851, OSHA standards), the need for a DOE-approved WSHP, and specific Argonne requirements. It covers incident reporting, Job Safety Analysis (JSA) procedures, contractor foreperson responsibilities, and required ES&H documentation.
• Electrical Protection: Sets forth specific requirements for electrical installations, including compliance with NEC Article 645, proper handling of cables, extension cord limitations, GFCI protection, and approval of electrical equipment.
• Laboratory Site Rules: Prohibits specific conduct such as possession of weapons, illegal substances, and violations of traffic regulations. It also outlines requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE), hard hats, safety glasses, and emergency egress.
• Disciplinary Program: Describes a progressive disciplinary program for safety infractions and misconduct, which can lead to suspension of work and site access, and may impact future contract awards.
• FAR/DEAR Clauses: References specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DEAR) clauses related to personal identity verification, pollution prevention, and access to records.

This document is critical for potential bidders as it outlines the stringent safety, health, environmental, insurance, and legal compliance requirements for performing work on-site at Argonne National Laboratory. Understanding and adhering to these conditions is essential for successful contract performance and may significantly impact bidding strategy and cost estimation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ANL-70B (Long Version) - Reps & Certs," is a comprehensive set of representations and certifications required from offerors for solicitations issued by Argonne National Laboratory. It serves to gather essential information about the offeror's business, compliance status, and eligibility for various contract types and provisions.

• General Information: Legal name, UEI, Doing Business As, addresses, and contact information.
• Business Organization: Entity type and State of Incorporation.
• Small Business Program: Classifications applicable to U.S. Companies/Entities.
• NAICS Code: Identification of the North American Industry Classification System code and associated size standard.
• FAR Clauses & Certifications: Includes representations and certifications related to:
  • Covered Telecommunications Equipment and Services (FAR 52.204-26)
  • Laboratory Standard Terms and Conditions
  • Suspect Counterfeit Parts
  • Personal Conflict of Interest
  • Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software (FAR 52.227-14)
  • Small Business or Non-Profit Status (Public Law 96-517)
  • Patent Waiver Rights
  • Exemption from Service Contract Labor Standards (FAR 52.222-48, 52.222-52)
  • Affirmative Action Compliance (FAR 52.222-25)
  • Equal Opportunity Compliance (FAR 52.222-26)
  • Buy American Act – Supplies (FAR 52.225-1)
  • Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (FAR 52.204-10)
  • Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Proposed Debarment and other Responsibility Matters (FAR 52.209-5)
  • Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor (FAR 52.222-18)
  • Compliance Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (FAR 52.203-11)
  • Compliance with Veteran's Employment Reporting Requirements (FAR 52.222-37)
  • Certificate of Independent Price Determination (FAR 52.203-2)
  • Covenant Against Contingent Fees (FAR 52.203-5)
  • Combating Trafficking in Persons (FAR 52.222-50)
  • Cost Accounting Standards Notices and Certification (FAR 52.230-1)

This document is critical for all potential bidders. Offerors must carefully review each section and provide accurate certifications and information as required. Failure to complete and submit these representations and certifications correctly may impact eligibility for award or lead to rejection of the offer. It helps the government assess the offeror's responsibility, compliance, and eligibility for specific contract types and programs.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 6-B143-P-00148-00, issued by UChicago Argonne, LLC (operator of Argonne National Laboratory) for the "Artemis Compute Cluster" based on the Argonne Statement of Work dated May 6, 2026. Offerors are invited to submit a firm fixed-price proposal.

• The RFP consists of several enclosures detailing requirements, including:

  • Enclosure No. 1: Cover Letter, Instructions, and Notices.
  • Enclosure No. 2: Articles and General Provisions, including a Draft Purchase Order, Argonne Terms and Conditions (ANL-71-COM), the "Artemis Compute Cluster" Statement of Work (Appendix B), and supplemental conditions.
  • Enclosure No. 3: Price Proposal Form.
  • Enclosure No. 4: Evaluation Criteria.
  • Enclosure No. 5: Pre-Award Information – Representations and Certifications (ANL-70B).

• Proposals must be submitted in three parts: Technical, Business Management, and Cost/Price, each as a separate email attachment.

• Technical proposals should detail the project approach and address all SOW requirements.

• Business/Management proposals must include financial condition, acceptance period, authorized representatives, completed Representations and Certifications, and any exceptions/deviations.

• Price proposals must use the provided form and include any necessary narrative clarifications.

• The anticipated contract type is firm fixed-price.

• Award will be made based on a Best Value/Trade-Off methodology.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to atkinson@anl.gov by 4:30 PM CST on June 5, 2026.

• Reference RFP No. 6-B143-P-00148-00 in the email subject line.

• Any requests for clarification or interpretation must be emailed to atkinson@anl.gov by May 20, 2026.

• Proposals should be submitted on the most favorable terms, as award may be made without discussion.

• Evaluation will be based on criteria outlined in Enclosure No. 4.

• Offerors are encouraged to have an active registration in www.SAM.gov prior to award.

• Argonne reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.

• Costs for proposal preparation are not reimbursable.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Enclosure No. 2A - Appendix A ANL-71COM.pdf," contains the Argonne Terms and Conditions for Commercial Goods and Services. It outlines the standard terms and conditions that apply to contracts for commercial goods and services with Argonne National Laboratory.

This appendix details various clauses and conditions, including:

• Assignment of contracts
• Audit and rights
• Changes and conduct of employees
• Cybersecurity and IT acquisitions
• Disputes and environmental protection
• Excusable delays, inspection, acceptance, and title
• Integration and laboratory site access, safety, and health
• Limitation of liability and non-waiver of defaults
• Order of precedence and packaging
• Payments and public release of information
• State and local taxes and survival clauses
• Suspect counterfeit parts and termination clauses
• Incorporated by reference clauses, including DEAR and FAR clauses with applicability notes.

Bidders must review these terms and conditions to understand their contractual obligations, rights, and responsibilities when performing work for Argonne National Laboratory. Key areas of focus for bidders include cybersecurity requirements, dispute resolution, payment terms, and clauses related to suspect counterfeit parts. The document also lists numerous FAR and DEAR clauses that may apply to the contract, which bidders should be aware of for compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "TCSBT Exhibit C - Certificate of Insurance (COI) Requirements," outlines the specific insurance requirements for contractors and subcontractors working at Building 240, supplementing the ANL366 form. It details the types of insurance, coverage limits, and specific provisions that must be maintained. In case of conflict with ANL366, the more stringent provision applies.

• Commercial General Liability: Requires specific limits for General Aggregate, Products/Completed Operations Aggregate, Bodily Injury/Property Damage per Occurrence, Fire Damage/Damage to Rented Premises, and Medical Expenses. Coverage must include Premises/Operations, Products/Completed Operations, Contractual Liability, Broad Form Property Damage, Independent Contractors, and Personal Injury.
• Umbrella Liability: Requires a limit of $10,000,000.00 per occurrence and in aggregate, written on a follow-form basis.
• Workers' Compensation and Employers Liability: Statutory limits for Workers' Compensation and a minimum of $1,000,000.00 for Employers Liability (Coverage B). A waiver of subrogation is required.
• Comprehensive Crime Insurance: Includes limits for money and securities ($10,000.00) and employee dishonesty ($100,000.00).
• Automobile Liability Insurance: A Combined Single Limit of $1,000,000.00 for Bodily Injury/Property Damage for owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
• Property – Subcontractors' Personal Property: Subcontractors must insure their own property.
• Professional Liability: Requires limits of $100,000.00 per claim or $1,000,000.00 annual aggregate, on a claims-made basis, with retroactive coverage.
• General Requirements: Coverages must apply to all locations, be primary and non-contributory, require 30-day notice for cancellation/non-renewal, and be from A.M. Best rated A or higher companies. Specific endorsements for notice of cancellation and waiver of subrogation are required.
• Additional Insured / Loss Payee Requirements: Specific entities must be named as additional insureds and/or loss payees for Commercial General Liability, Umbrella, and Automobile Liability policies.

This document is critical for any bidder or subcontractor who will be performing work at Building 240. It clearly defines the mandatory insurance coverage and limits that must be in place to comply with contract requirements. Failure to meet these insurance obligations could disqualify a bidder or lead to contract non-compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Enclosure No. 3, a Pricing Proposal Form, provided in compliance with the Request For Proposal (RFP) dated May 6, 2026, for the ALCF Artemis Compute Cluster project. It requires bidders to submit their proposed pricing.

• Total Proposal Price (less Options): A field to enter the total sum for the base proposal.
• Pricing Breakout: Specific fields for detailing costs associated with:
  • Hardware Components
  • Software & Licensing Components
  • Installation
  • Maintenance & Support (One five-year period, 9x5 NBD)
• Option 1: Spare Parts Cache: A separate field for pricing an optional spare parts cache.
• Delivery Information: Fields for F.O.B. Destination terms and shipment time in days from receipt of order.
• Contractor Information: Signature, printed name, title, date, phone, and email.
• Bill of Materials (BOM): Bidders must also include a separate, full BOM with itemized hardware, software, licenses, and accessories, including contractor and manufacturer part numbers and component/software revisions.

This form is critical for bidders to structure and submit their pricing in accordance with the RFP requirements. It dictates how costs should be broken down and presented, including the necessity of a detailed Bill of Materials. The proposal is valid for 120 days after the closing date for receipt of proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation criteria for the ALCF Artemis Compute Cluster acquisition, aligning with the "Artemis Compute Cluster" Statement of Work (SOW) dated May 6, 2026, and all other RFP requirements. Proposals will be evaluated on a best-value basis, aiming for the greatest overall value considering technical merit, contractor responsibility, and price.

Proposals are evaluated in three parts: Technical, Business/Management, and Price. A "pass/fail" determination for Contractor Responsibility will be made first based on the Business/Management Proposal. Only responsible Offerors will proceed to technical and price evaluations.

Technical proposals will be rated Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Unacceptable. Failure to meet minimum SOW requirements may result in an "Unacceptable" rating. Key technical evaluation areas, in descending order of importance, include:

• Overall Technical Requirements (hardware, software, licensing)
• Maintenance and Support
• Installation Services

Appendix 1 details specific technical criteria for SOW sections 3, 4, and 6, covering hardware specifications (e.g., node core count, memory, storage, networking, power, rack diagrams), support processes (e.g., 9x5 NBD service, on-site spares), installation plans, and cybersecurity vulnerability remediation.

Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose proposal is compliant, responsive, conforms to the SOW, and offers pricing determined to be fair and reasonable, representing the best value.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Proposal (most important), Price Proposal, and Business/Management Proposal (for Contractor Responsibility).
• Proposal Risk: Assessed as Low, Moderate, or High Risk, influencing the likelihood of successful contract performance.
• Price Evaluation: Considers total evaluated price, realism, reasonableness, and relation to technical merits.

Not specified in this document.

• The Business/Management Proposal is evaluated solely for Contractor Responsibility (pass/fail).
• Offerors must identify and describe significant risks that could affect project execution, schedule, cost, or performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Illinois Sales Tax Exemption Certificate issued to UCHICAGO ARGONNE LLC. It serves as an important tax document authorizing the holder to purchase tangible personal property for use or consumption tax-free under the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act.

• Certificate Holder: UCHICAGO Argonne LLC
• Address: 5801 S Ellis Ave, Chicago IL 60637-5418
• Issue Date: 02/09/2026
• Expiration Date: 03/01/2031
• Sales Tax Exemption Number: E99362058
• Organization Type: Educational

This certificate confirms the tax-exempt status of UCHICAGO ARGONNE LLC for sales tax. Bidders should note this exemption when preparing pricing or invoicing for any applicable transactions related to this opportunity, ensuring that sales tax is not applied where exempt.